Washington: A senior U.S. defense official disclosed on Thursday that one of China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarines sank earlier this year, potentially presenting a significant setback for Beijing as it strives to expand its military capabilities.
Currently, China boasts the largest navy in the world, with more than 370 ships. The country has also begun production on a new class of nuclear-armed submarines. However, the sinking of this first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine between May and June may raise questions about the readiness and resilience of its naval forces.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the U.S. defense official revealed that the submarine sank alongside a pier. It remains unclear what caused the incident or if the submarine had nuclear fuel onboard at the time.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington declined to provide further information. “We are not familiar with the situation you mentioned and currently have no information to provide,” said a Chinese spokesperson in response to the news.
The U.S. official raised concerns about the incident, hinting at broader issues within China’s defense structure. “In addition to the obvious questions about training standards and equipment quality, the incident raises deeper questions about the PLA’s internal accountability and oversight of China’s defense industry – which has long been plagued by corruption,” the official said, referring to the People’s Liberation Army. They further added, “It’s not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to conceal” the incident.
Taiwan, which closely monitors Chinese military activities, also weighed in. Speaking in Taipei, Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo confirmed that authorities are aware of the situation through “multiple intelligence and surveillance methods” but refrained from offering more details. In June, images surfaced online showing a Chinese nuclear submarine in the Taiwan Strait, heightening concerns in the region.
Also Read | Greece Defies EU, Moves Ahead with Border Fence Expansion
This revelation was initially reported by the Wall Street Journal. Additional satellite images from Planet Labs in June showed cranes at the Wuchang shipyard, where the submarine had been stationed, adding to the evidence surrounding the event.
China’s submarine fleet continues to grow, according to the U.S. Defense Department. As of 2022, China had six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines. That number is expected to increase to 65 by 2025 and 80 by 2035.
Also Read | Wall Street Executives Torn Between Trump and Harris in Upcoming U.S. Election
Meanwhile, China has been ramping up its military capabilities in other areas as well. On Wednesday, the Chinese government announced the successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, raising concerns over its expanding nuclear arsenal.
Earlier this month, the United States and China held theater-level commander talks aimed at stabilizing military relations and preventing misunderstandings, particularly in sensitive regions like the South China Sea.
